Re: 99% sure I'm ADHD & now I have to circumnavigate getting diagnosed?? Cruel joke!

[Anonymous]

Stash, I must agree that the initial appointment is the biggest hurdle. The first one for me was with my GP to get a referral to a psychiatrist (I got the appointment for the psych 4 months ago after weeks of agonising and procrastination, and have only last week seen my GP…..). My usual GP made a “brush off” type comment when we were going through the diagnostic process with my son, so I decided I would go to another GP I had taken my daughter to earlier in the year (as I wanted a female for her) and was so relieved I did. She was really approachable and extremely supportive, and also has had no experience with adult ADHD – though she also said that it was no excuse for not listening to a patient as my male GP had done with my son and I (he told us it was most likely that he would turn out to be diagnosed as a normal teenaged boy….but this happened AFTER a confirmed ADHD diagnosis!!! Suggests to me that he didn’t listen to what I said and didn’t give proper credit to the diagnosing psychologist). The female GP I saw was thrilled I had picked her because we had been happy with how she listened to my daughter and dealt with her issues, she openly admitted to her lack of experience with adult ADHD, but also said she would give me full support if I didn’t have luck with the pshychiatrist I am to see later this week. She told me to come back to her and she would give me another referral. She also gave me some more ideas on how to find a suitable psychiatrist (as the ones I found who treat adult ADHD were either not taking new patients or had retired). I felt soooooo relieved after seeing her. The psychiatrist appointment seems less daunting now I have my GP’s support.

I did make sure I took some online tests with me (including the WHO one and one from a psych website) that I had printed out and completed. I also got hubby to do one on my behalf to confirm that other people noticed and were affected by my symptoms. I plan to dig out my report cards too, for my psych appointment.

I hated waiting, and I hope that I don’t have to do too much more of it. I am a wreck as specialist appointments approach, and I know from previous experience that I fall to pieces afterwards too, as I always think of questions I should have asked and things I should have said when the appointment is over and done with. I really feel let down. I am just hoping that I get someone like my GP, and like my son’s paediatrician, who is also a comfortable person to be around and doesn’t make us feel rushed.

I hope all goes well with your next appointment, Stash. Good luck!

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